Oregon Surf

When you think surfboarding, places like California, Hawaii and Australia come to mind, right? What about Oregon? Not many people think about Oregon surf activities, but this state has actually become quite a hot spot. Indeed, surf shops are constantly increasing in number all along the Oregon coastline.

The water is definitely cold and surfers must wear a wetsuit when getting into the water. Moreover, white sharks often visit the area, winds and rains can get quite intense and powerful storms generate swells. Despite these drawbacks, though, Oregon continues to attract a great number of surfers due to the extraordinary diversity of beaches and types of surf it offers.

There are a number of recommended Oregon surf spots on the North Coast. Surfers are drawn to Seaside Cove, a location that is popular with longboarders. Here, the sandy beach meets up with the rocks and turns towards the west. This spot is not good for beginners, as the rocks and rip can be dangerous. There’s also Pacific City, which offers a number of different breaks. There are also some nice, easy breaks that beginners can enjoy. A big drawback to this site is the presence of sharks.

Then there’s Indian Beach, though this spot attracts more kayakers than surfers. Lefts are a bit weak; the area allows mostly rights, with a rip found at the northern wall. Beginners can try out their luck at this spot. Short Sands, in Oswald West State Park, is found in an old growth forest and the path that leads to the beach offers some great scenery. You can catch waves from the south or north, or even somewhere in the middle. One drawback to this spot is that it can get crowded, especially on weekends in the summer. All levels of surfers can enjoy the spot, which also offers a camping ground.

Along the central coast there is Agate Beach, a very popular surfing location that is visited frequently by longboarders. Beginners can also enjoy this spot. Otter Rock is probably the most popular central coast spot, though. The breaks here are very good for both beginners and longboarders. There is also a rip along some rocks.

Finally, along the south coast, you’ll find Coos Bay/Bastendorff Beach, which is a wide and sandy cove. It’s a long beach that offers quite a number of different peaks. Unfortunately the water is a bit polluted here, though, and sharks are known to visit the area. Port Orford/Battle Rock is a good spot for shortboarders; beginners should avoid the area as there is a rough shorebreak. Hubbard Creek, instead, is a good spot for all types of surfers, though it can get crowded.

If you’re interested in Oregon surfing, check out an Oregon surf page or two or Oregon surfing groups online. Before heading into the water in Oregon, then, you should most definitely check out Oregon surf reports. You can also stop in to an Oregon surf board shop for an Oregon surf report.